February 18, 2018

The Honorable Kevin Payne

House of Representatives
Arizona State Capitol Complex
1700 W Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85007

The Representative Payne,

I am writing you today as my representative because I am especially interested in efforts to

provide more programs in school that help with teen suicide prevention. I feel that it is very
important for all schools K-12 have suicide prevention programs as part of their curriculum. The rise
in teen suicide has been problematic and there must be a program implemented to decrease teens
committing suicide.
I would ask that you support efforts to help obtain suicide prevention programs in schools.
Although, there are two Arizona laws and regulations against bullying; Arizona Revised Statutes
§15-341.37, general powers and duties; immunity; delegation and
Arizona Revised Statutes §15-2301, hazing prevention policies. There are no bills for suicide
prevention programs in schools.
The Suicide Prevention Center release information on rates of suicide and age ranges. The
number of alarming suicides between the ages of 10-24 is 6,159 and this number increases every
year (School Education Curriculum Archives. n.d.). Teens are a vulnerable population of individuals
and to maintain proper health, both physically and mentally, they must be given the proper
resources. By adding suicide prevention to a school’s curriculum, students are better able to handle
and address suicidal thoughts or intentions. Prevention can save lives, especially those of younger
populations who are at higher risk. The mental wellbeing of a teen having suicidal thoughts is due to
their frontal cortex or reasoning not being full developed.
What I would like to see provided is a suicide prevention programs in all Elementary and
High schools. The implementation of these programs can increase knowledge of depression,
depression symptoms, and facts about suicide. Create the ability to recognize risk factors and
protective factors for suicide and suicide warning signs. Obtain the knowledge and skills about how
to seek help for self or a friend and how to overcome barriers to help-seeking. Increasing a sense of
wellbeing in school by teaching effective coping skills (Suicide prevention resources for teens,1970
January 01). Reducing stigma towards mental illnesses and suicide. Encouraging early screening for
mental illnesses and advocate professional treatment among students if needed. Teaching and
showing students the signs and symptoms of mental illness. Displaying many resources for students
to use for help by increasing connections between youth population and mental health professionals.
With suicide prevention programs in our schools I believe that the suicide rate among teens will
decrease dramatically.
Thank you very much for your time and any efforts you take to provide suicide prevention
programs in our schools.

Sincerely,

Christina Shepherd
15019 W. Hearn Rd
Surprise, AZ 85379